This handbook has been developed with individuals working and studying in the academic environment in mind—those who wish to better understand the needs of people with special requirements, including disabilities. It was created in response to real challenges faced by members of the university community, and is based on legal regulations obligating public institutions to ensure equal access to education, goods, and services.

The handbook:

• describes situations that may occur in the everyday life of the university and in which it is necessary to move away from stereotypical thinking,
• explains in an accessible way how to support people with special needs and how to shape appropriate attitudes,
• is based on the experiences of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology community as well as the regulations in force regarding accessibility,
• aligns with the values of the Strategy of Wrocław University of Science and Technology(opens in a new tab), in which openness and accessibility are treated as key principles of operation,
• provides practical guidance, tools, and examples of good practices useful in everyday teaching and organizational work.

This handbook has been developed with all individuals conducting teaching activities at the university in mind – academic teachers, assistants, as well as others involved in the education of students and doctoral candidates.

The publication focuses on the practical aspects of organizing and delivering classes, taking into account the needs of people who may function differently than commonly assumed, including persons with disabilities. It provides specific guidance on how to adapt teaching to diverse educational needs without compromising existing educational standards.

The handbook:

• helps identify and better understand the needs of students and doctoral candidates who require additional support in the learning process,
• suggests how to design and conduct classes in a more accessible and inclusive way,
• serves as a practical tool for everyday teaching work, offering concrete solutions and recommendations,
• complements the content of the Introduction manual handbook, which discusses basic concepts related to accessibility, communication, and the functioning of persons with special needs,
• has been prepared as a supporting material for instructors in creating an open and accessible educational environment for all participants in the teaching process.

More and more often, people with disabilities or other special needs appear in the space of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Although assisting a person using a wheelchair or crutches at reception desks or cloakrooms usually no longer poses difficulties, interacting with people who are deaf, non-speaking, or who use sign language may still be a challenge.

Not every employee at the University has the knowledge, skills, or simply the confidence to help a blind person reach a specific room or to ask someone who speaks unclearly to repeat their statement. Sometimes, out of fear of making a mistake, we pretend that we understand everything or – even worse – show impatience. Such situations can effectively discourage a person from dealing with the matter they came with.

The handbook:

• presents examples of difficulties in assisting people with special needs,
• shows how to communicate with a deaf or non-speaking person,
• contains guidelines for interacting with blind or visually impaired individuals,
• suggests how to respond in situations of linguistic ambiguity (e.g., stuttering, unclear speech),
• helps to understand which behaviours are tactful and which should be avoided,
• encourages a kind and professional attitude in everyday work,
• raises awareness of diversity and teaches empathy.

It is not a lack of good will, but most often a lack of knowledge and experience that makes us feel uncertain when interacting with people with disabilities. Thanks to the practical tips and examples included in this handbook, one can feel more confident – and provide help more effectively.

Organizing events and activities in the academic space is more than logistics and an event scenario. It is also a responsibility — to ensure that every member of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology community, regardless of their abilities, can participate in them equally and fully.

The handbook:

• explains what accessibility means and why it forms the foundation of a public university’s operation,
• indicates standards for accessible event organization — from the planning stage to implementation,
• suggests how to identify and analyze the needs of event participants,
• promotes universal design, which serves everyone without the need for adaptation,
• shows how to include people with disabilities in academic life through inclusive actions,
• reminds us about the importance of communication and dialogue — with participants, co-organizers, and audiences,
• raises awareness of the situations of people encountering barriers in physical, digital, and social spaces.

Accessibility is not an add-on — it is a foundation. Thanks to it, the university becomes a space where everyone can learn, work, grow, and participate in events — regardless of their background, abilities, or needs.

Attachments to the handbook:

• Attachment No. 1 titled “Checklist: Stages of Organizing an Accessible Event”,
• Attachment No. 2 titled “Checklist: Stages of Organizing an Accessible Event – Extended Version”.

These attachments serve as practical tools supporting the organization of events in accordance with accessibility standards and may also serve as inspiration when drafting content for tender documentation.

This handbook has been developed with all individuals involved in creating a friendly, supportive, and accessible academic environment at Wrocław University of Science and Technology in mind. It focuses on one of the key aspects of accessibility-psychological support-and serves as a practical source of knowledge on how to respond to mental-health-related crisis situations and how to effectively use the support system available at the University.

The publication provides specific guidance on recognizing difficult situations, offering psychological first aid, and directing individuals in need to appropriate forms of support. It also includes information on the available support pathways for students, doctoral candidates, as well as University staff members.

The aim of this handbook is to support the entire academic community-both those in need of help and those who may be able to provide it-in building an open and safe environment that promotes mental well-being. It is a tool that may prove helpful to anyone who, in their daily educational, scientific, or administrative work, interacts with individuals experiencing emotional difficulties.

This publication is part of broader initiatives undertaken at Wrocław University of Science and Technology as part of implementing accessibility measures and caring for the mental well-being of all members of the academic community.